This $1.5M Listing for a Frank Lloyd Wright House in Milwaukee Matters a Lot—Here’s Why

Despite hundreds of commissions in his home state of Wisconsin, Frank Lloyd Wright designed just one single-family home in Milwaukee.

It’s now on the market—for only the second time ever—listed for $1.5 million with Melissa LeGrand, of @properties-elleven Christie’s International Real Estate, in partnership with Christie’s auction house, which is handling the furnishings sale.

Completed in 1917, the Frederick C. Bogk House was built for a businessman and is unlike any of Wright’s other homes. While his American System-Built Homes and Usonians are similar to each another, this 6,712-square-foot home stands on its own.

The two-level house has five bedrooms, three full baths, and a half-bath.

Because Wright was traveling to Japan around the same time, designing the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, a distinct Japanese influence is apparent in the home’s aesthetic.

The dwelling’s textured cast concrete was later used in his Southern California homes, and the property also embodies his Prairie School style.

Through mid-October, some of the Wright-designed furnishings in the house can be purchased in the range of $900,000. After that, they will be auctioned by Christie’s. An ebony, walnut, and cane dining set, as well as a library table are among the pieces included in the furniture lot. Both were made in George Mann Niedecken’s shop.

Also included in the sale is seating designed by Taliesin Associated Architects during the 1960s, as well as additional furnishings by Heritage Henredon from around the same time.

“We’re hopeful they’ll stay,” LeGrand says, referring to the furniture. “They were designed specifically for that space and it would be wonderful to know it’s all intact.”

A family named the Elsners bought the home in 1955 and raised their children there. LeGrand says that during the family’s time in the house, they embarked on 27 restoration and renovation projects to retain the home’s original character.

Reproduction rugs and matching paint shades were selected, and a first-floor powder room was added. During a 1960s kitchen renovation, the Elsners opted to keep the original countertops and sinks.

The property also includes a one-car garage, which was uncommon for a home of this era.

In 1972, the house was designated a National Historic Landmark.

“It’s time to pass the torch,” LeGrand says. “Barbara [Elsner] is 97 years old, and her husband passed a few years ago. They hope someone will love it as much as they did. It has not been an easy decision for the family. They’re very fond of the house.”

She believes the buyer could be local, as the North Point neighborhood is highly desirable. In fact, there’s already been interest from a family looking to live on that block.

“A stone’s throw from Lake Michigan, all of the homes have been historically preserved,” LeGrand says. “You’re close to parks and downtown. It’s a wonderful strolling neighborhood. The neighbors know each other and stay in the homes for a long time.”

The post This $1.5M Listing for a Frank Lloyd Wright House in Milwaukee Matters a Lot—Here’s Why appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.